The thought that I might possibly not have gone to Morocco is atrocious. You see I hate to be rushed when I travel. I should add “Slowly” to my blog motto of Journey, Destination, Experience!
I was afraid that in our two months away, we would not have enough time in Spain and Portugal (Lisbon) if we went to Morocco. Once the joint decision has been made on what area of the world we will visit next, Budget Hubby, bows out and leaves the rest of the planning up to me. (He comes into play when we actually arrive there). This does not mean that I disregard his opinions. The thing is that after living together for over 30 years, I actually know most of his opinions on travel (and most other things)!
This left me in a quandary because Morocco had been a dream of mine for about thirty years, and even though Marty threw in the line “we may as well go to Morocco while we are in Spain”, I was not so sure. You see I thought he would not really enjoy it and that he was only saying that because he knew I wanted to go. (See what a thoughtful person I am).
To cut a long story short, we went. And I am so glad we did because we BOTH loved it.
On our last night in Essaouira, we were down at the port taking photos of the fantastic sunset (again), as if we could ever forget it, and enjoying the promenading of people and the swooping of seagulls one last time when I spotted one lonely man with a cart selling knitted fisherman caps (that is what I call them).
He was situated right beside the cleanest squat toilet in the world, where the attendant wears a green coat and has an array of cleaning products to make the fussiest housewife proud.
I couldn’t help myself – I had an overwhelming desire to grab one last little piece of Essaouira – and I had been checking out the old men that stand around knitting these caps for days. I purchased two caps – they are expertly made from chunky, coarse, greasy wool. No tying the different colours of wool together at the back like I do – No – the inside of these caps are as beautiful as the outside. I tried them on and both the cap seller and Budget Hubby smiled indulgently. I knew I would never be able to wear them at home in NQ, but hey, they were calling me!
When I got them home I wondered what use I could put them to. They posed around the house invitingly – after all, they were one of the few things I actually unpacked! I tried filling them with knick-knacks, but Nooo, they screamed their objection.
Then my plethora of tomatoes started ripening. A daily routine collection filled old ice-cream containers to overflowing. Then it came to me – the caps – the ideal robust container, and so attractive and flexible. The tomatoes sit in them on the bench until perfect ripeness is achieved then I pop the hats into the fridge. Usually one sits out on the bench while one is in the fridge, except for the purposes of this photo, where they both posed together on the bench with a plate that comes from Safi, north of Essaouira.
Outside our home in Tropical North Queensland, I hear Rosellas squawking in the Golden Pendas and White Cockatoos screeching at me from the top of the old dead tree in our back garden, but inside I hear monster seagulls wheeling above a Port at sunset, and my heart smiles.
Is your heart in the habit of smiling?
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I’ve been told that Morroco is beautiful and your pictures show that. I’d love to go and visit the colorful marketplaces. Maybe one of these days.
It is Tonya, although we did experience culture shock when we first arrived in Marrakech! Different people experience different things. A close friend of ours went to Morocco before we did and he got hassled by people, but we did not. I thought maybe it was because we were older so were left alone, but he said no, he was older people and they got hassled as well. Who knows – all I know is that we loved it.
Before sitting down to post on TPThursday I finished a fabulous novel set in Spain, Portugal and Morocco (The Time in Between) which is set in the time between the Spanish War and WWII. . .I think you’d love it. And it has me thirsting to go to Morocco. Thanks for a great post.
Thanks Jackie, I do love reading about places I would like to travel to, or have been to, but I usually limit myself to non-fiction. I guess The time in between, would be based on fact? Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Jan
Ha ha! We seem to be married to the same type of man. We have only been married 8 years and yet he barely has an opinion on where we go at this point. He just assumes I’ll take us somewhere fabulous and he will read the guidebook and figure out what he wants to see when we get there.
I am so glad you got to live your dream and see Morocco. It was definitely a very good choice. I haven’t been yet but it is certainly on my list, as is Spain.
Here’s to more adventures! And a whole lot of slow travel 😉
Thanks Keryn, I think Marty just wants me to be happy with the choice so he lets me choose. Once we are there he is very hands on. He is good with public transport and after I present him with the options he is very good at getting it all to happen. Suits us fine. We both loved Spain and Lisbon as well. I think this was one of the best holidays we have had.
Jan
I love bringing back a little memento of a trip that reminds me of the fabulous time we had there. Usually it’s a plate or a bowI but I love how you made the caps work for you. I enjoyed Morocco whilst we were there but it is not a country I would go back to….there’s so many other places to see!
I agree Jenny that it is hard to return to a country, even if you loved it, because there are so many others to see first.
Jan
I would love to visit Morocco someday. It just has exotic written all over it. Those caps are absolutely beautiful and what a fun and wonderful way to put it to use. What a great souvenir! Love that sunset photo.
Hi Mary, The caps are great and I love that I use them every day. Sunsets in Essaouira are essential and everyone comes down to have a look.
Jan
Great article, thank you (^_^)
Glad you enjoyed it Muza-chan.
Jan
I love this post! I’m not sure Morroco would have been on my lists, but now it is. Your pictures and descriptions are fantastic. I love the caps, and can’t even imagine a clean squat toilet. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Hi Juliann, I think Morocco is one country you won’t know if you will like it until you actually go there. Essaouria is much more relaxed than Marrakech, but the Djemma El Fna square in Marrakech is a must see! I love my caps!
Jan
It sounds like our husband/wife dynamic with regards to trip planning is very similar. I am glad that you didn’t miss Morroco and thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures. And, yes, I think my heart is in the habit of smiling, but your reminder gave it a little practice.:)
Hi Jessica, I am glad I get to plan our trips and that your heart has remembered it likes smiling. Plus I love sharing our photos! Jan
Thanks for the retweet.
Jan
Cool, thanks for the retweet.
Jan
Thanks for the retweet. Much appreciated.